Project Gigabit

In March 2021 the Government announced the launch of a new strategy to deliver Gigabit-capable broadband to the hardest to reach parts of the country.

In July 2023 the contract to deliver gigabit capable broadband to around 62,000 homes and businesses in Norfolk was awarded to Cityfibre.

BDUK (Building Digital UK) and Norfolk County Council will now work collaboratively with Cityfibre on ensuring that network build commences as quickly as possible, once the supplier has completed their detailed plans for this build. An amount of preparatory work is required to reach premises (for example, digging trenches, laying duct, installing fibre) prior to being able to access a service. The first premises under this contract are anticipated to have access to gigabit-capable broadband in early 2024. Once the gigabit-capable network has been built, residents and businesses will be able to request a connection from a broadband service provider to benefit from the faster speeds.

The map on GOV.UK's Project Gigabit page details the expected coverage area. Further detail on the premises due to be upgraded as part of Project Gigabit will be available on this page as soon as possible.

The premises to be reached by the contract is subject to change following detailed planning by the supplier or due to technical reasons during the lifetime of the contract.

Norfolk County Council and BDUK continue to work hard to extend the coverage of Project Gigabit even further.

Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website: Major broadband boost for 218,000 rural homes and businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk and Hampshire - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).